Frequently Asked Questions

Free Strategy Consultation: 1300 82 83 08

Am I paying current market value for my property or has the price been inflated?

One of the most important requirements that our Acquisitions team undertake during their due diligence process is to make sure that the purchase price the vendor has set is at competitive market value. If it isn’t, it will not pass this step and will not be listed on the portal.

Remember that we work for you and not the vendor. We have no obligation to promote any particular property. This is a major point of difference from property marketing groups and some real estate agents where they have exclusive listings and can set the price at what they hope to get. They do not have your best interest at heart.

Yes, however we want you to have the property best suited to your needs, rather than just because you live nearby. After we discuss your goals and create a strategy, we will help you find a property anywhere around Australia that fits your profile and comfort level. To give you the best choices, you will have access to properties across Australia through a private online property portal. Or if you have something specific in mind we can request the Acquisitions team to source it if possible.

Whether it’s in your suburb or interstate, the Acquisitions team will personally visit every property to make sure it meets our strict property selection and due diligence requirements. And importantly, we will make sure it will meet your long term property goals.

So onto how we get paid…

Can we still go on our family holidays?

Absolutely. We all need to enjoy the now, especially with kids who still want to spend time with us.

We’ll help you put together a strategy that will include you going on regular holidays, and you’ll keep doing all those activities that really matter to your family.

Do we have to pay off our house before we can invest?

No. In fact investing in property may help pay your home off more quickly with the correct strategy. Your home can be an important source of equity to help buy a property.

Alternatively, you may have a self managed super fund that you can use to buy property. Please speak to us or your financial planner to work out what options best suit your situation.

How do I know SPI is legit? The industry isn’t regulated.

Excellent question. It is important to be very wary of anyone giving you ‘property investment advice’. Unfortunately most property marketers and some real estate agents will promote their exclusively listed properties under the guise of property investment advice however their responsibility is to the vendor and not to the investor (purchaser).

A checklist to use whilst interviewing who you are getting your advice:

Are you qualified with legitimate certifications/qualifications?

Are you insured to offer property investment advice?

Do you/does your organisation get exclusive property listings?

Are you a member of an organisation or association that enforces you to adhere to a strict code of conduct?

The team at Simple Property Investment are insured to provide property investment advice and are an accredited Property Investment Advisory under the ASPIRE Advisor Network. Founder Nick Holden is a Licensed Real Estate Agent, holds a Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning) and Certificate IV Financial Services (Finance and Mortgage Broking). He also has more than 15 years experience investing personally, as mentioned on the About page.

How long have you been doing this for?

Nick Holden started investing in property over 20 years ago in Australia, United Kingdom and Spain. He started helping people invest 15 years ago and formally as a full time occupation in 2008 when returning to Australia after living in London for 9 years.

I can’t afford to buy where I want to live but still want to get on the property ladder. What should I do?

A strategy that often works well is to rent where you want to live. And buy an investment property in a growth area, where you can afford. It helps to think outside the square. And get professional advice.

That’s what we’re here for.

Your time is precious. And perhaps you’d rather be spending time with friends or planning your next holiday – than investigating the countless investment options out there. Let alone struggling on your own through the often arduous process of making a purchase happen. And filtering out the right people to help you. It’s a jungle out there…in this currently unregulated property investment industry.

We guide you through the investment jungle with professionally insured property investment advice. To recommend trusted professionals who are at the top of their fields to work with you if needed. To take you through our simple 7 step process to easily acquire an appropriate property that fits your individual requirements. We’re here to answer your questions.

We’re here to explain industry jargon in a way that makes sense. To follow up on those documents, or give a push to that person you need to hurry along. And we’re here to give you a full and quality service without charging you ridiculous fees along the way. To make sure you get your property at a competitive market value.

I don’t have an accountant or financial planner. Do I need to find one?

Through our extensive network, we can introduce you to a range of professional advisors.

We have strong relationships with every advisor we work with, so you can expect the experience to be as smooth and enjoyable as possible. With peace of mind that everything will be taken care of.

I don’t have enough to invest on my own. What options do I have?

There are many viable ways to go solo to invest in property. Get professional advice to see what suits your situation. Some ways include:

Joint ventures

Parental gifts or guarantor

Non-bank lenders for creative financing.

I’ve never done this before. What support will I get? For how long? And for how much?

We will support you from our first chat, throughout our seven step process and beyond. That’s right, we’re in it for the long haul. We’ll help you adapt your strategy to your situation through a review each year. And help you grow your portfolio within your means.

You’ll have access to a strong network of professionals if required or we can work with your existing professionals such as mortgage brokers, financial planners, accountants and solicitors. Rest assured that you won’t be left alone. We’ll co-ordinate the whole process including the people and documents, every step of the way. Best of all you’ll know exactly how much you’ll pay. Never any hidden costs. Always the most professional and accredited advice

Isn’t it better to live near the property I want to invest in?

Not necessarily. You don’t need to physically check on your property regularly to make sure all is well. In fact sometimes that can cause unnecessary frustration. We recommend that you have a good property manager and one of their roles is to perform regular inspections. We also encourage to have complete Landlord Protection Insurance for risk mitigation.

You are welcome to choose whichever property manager you wish. Through our affiliation with the ASPIRE Advisor Network we are able to introduce you to trusted professional property managers around the country if you wish.

As we predominantly recommend brand new properties there is usually very little, if any maintenance issues for a good period of time and most things that may arise are generally covered by warranties or guarantees.

We are sick of paying so much tax. How can property investment help us reduce tax?

There are many ways to reduce tax through property with the help of the taxman. Many factors are involved and we always recommend speaking to your accountant.

A few ways include:

Pre-pay interest on an investment property / for the next financial year

Negative Gearing

Put profit into your own super account

Split capital gains by buying with a partner

Time your contract date to a new financial year (delay tax payable)

Consider selling during a low-income year

Mortgage offset account.

We are time poor. But want to learn more about property investment. Can you help?

Your time is precious. And perhaps you’d rather be relaxing with a glass of wine in hand in the company of your loved ones than investigating the countless investment options out there. Let alone struggling on your own through the often arduous process of making a purchase happen. And filtering out the right people to help you. It’s a jungle out there…in this currently unregulated property investment industry.

That’s what we’re here for.

To guide you through the investment jungle with professionally insured property investment advice. To recommend trusted professionals who are at the top of their fields to work with you if needed. To take you through our simple 7 step process to easily acquire an appropriate property that fits your individual requirements. We’re here to answer your questions.

We’re here to explain industry jargon in a way that makes sense. To follow up on those documents, or give a push to that person you need to hurry along. And we’re here to give you a full and quality service without charging you ridiculous fees along the way. To make sure you get your property at a competitive market value.

We don’t have much to invest. Can we still do something?

Many of our clients are families paying off a family home with kids still in school. On one or one and a half incomes. Every situation is different, but be assured that if you are in this situation it is most likely possible now, or in the near future for you to make your hard earned money do more for you.

That’s what we’re here for.

Your time is precious, and perhaps you’d rather be spending time with your kids – or getting some much needed ‘me time’ – than investigating the countless investment options out there. Let alone struggling on your own through the often arduous process of making a purchase happen, and filtering out the right people to help you. It’s a jungle out there…in this currently unregulated property investment industry.

We’re here to guide you through the property investment jungle with professionally insured property investment advice. To recommend trusted professionals who are at the top of their fields to work with you if needed. To take you through our simple 7 step process to easily acquire an appropriate property that fits your individual requirements. We’re here to answer your questions.

We’re here to explain industry jargon in a way that makes sense. To follow up on those documents, or give a push to that person you need to hurry along. And we’re here to give you a full and quality service without charging you ridiculous fees along the way. To make sure you get your property at a competitive market value.

We don’t want to change our current lifestyle while investing. Is that possible?

It is very possible to keep living the way you are: working, travelling, eating well, paying off your home – and still get ahead (and pay less tax) by investing for your future.

A simple example of how this can be done is with sizeable equity in your home ($200k+) and consistent dual incomes ($150k+), you could purchase property by utilising the equity in your home. Or with $150k+ super balance, you could potentially purchase property using your super. Please visit your financial planner and accountant to work out if this is suitable for your situation.

We want to invest using our super. What are our options?

Self Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) are used by many Australians who have the capability and professional support to take control of their super. We have helped many clients purchase property through SMSF. It’s important to always seek advice from an accredited financial planner to make sure SMSF is right for your situation.

5 Point checklist to find out if a SMSF is right for you:

Don’t rush

Focus on strategy before property

Get specific SMSF financial advice

Set up SMSF

Get property investment advice from an insured advisor.

We wish we’d started earlier. Is it too late to invest?

Everybody and every situation is different. We look at your personal circumstance and evaluate accordingly. It may be necessary to seek advice from an accredited financial planner to make sure property investment is right for your situation.

What are your qualifications?

Nick Holden is the Founder of Simple Property Investment and an insured, qualified Property Investment Advisor under the ASPIRE Advisor Network ..

He is a Licensed Real Estate Agent, holds a Bachelor of Business, Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning) and Certificate IV Financial Services (Finance and Mortgage Broking). He also has experience investing personally, as mentioned on the About page

What’s the difference between a real estate agent and a property investment advisor?

A real estate agent acts as a seller’s (vendor) representative when selling a property. They will generally get an exclusive listing and they are legally responsible to get the best outcome for the vendor.

A property investment advisor helps people identify and implement an investment strategy based on their goals, timeframes, personal circumstances, risk profile and comfort levels. They also provide advice on what properties will be appropriate for their unique strategy.

Why do I need a property investment advisor?

An accountant is qualified to help you with your taxes. A mortgage broker is qualified to help you find the right loan. A financial planner is qualified to give you financial advice. A property investment advisor is qualified and insured (beware those that aren’t) to help you create a tailored strategy and provide advice about the right property investment for your situation.

Will you get me to only buy certain properties?

No. Our role is to give you professional advice and guidance based on your goals and strategy. We’ll also act as your buyer’s agent to find the property that fits your personal criteria – anywhere within Australia, not just your local area.

With access to a broad range of properties all around Australia we identify the very best in each segment of the market. From affordable options to boutique properties, house and land to luxury apartments, if it makes a good investment we’ll find it.

We’ll give you options to properties that will have the best possible chance to perform well. You will have all the insight, data, research and reports at your fingertips through our online client portal. So you can make a well informed decision about your investment.

“From the moment I met Nick I felt at ease, trusting in an uncomplicated, well researched, low risk property investment strategy. The first property I have invested in has been tenanted for the whole period and has appreciated in value. They truly are the “good guys…”

“You have made our venture into the investment property world a lot easier and more enjoyable. We appreciate all the advice, service and support you have given us over the journey so far. Every one of your contacts have worked out to be just as helpful and easy to work with.”

We are really happy with how the property turned out. Thanks for helping us with this investment along the way, you guys and ASPIRE have been really professional and helpful in getting everything sorted for me. We look forward to working with you guys again in the future if the opportunity arises.

We provide tailored property investment advice to Aussies in all stages of life. As an accredited advisory we take the fear and uncertainty out of investing in property. You can be sure you’re getting independent and high quality advice with strong guidance every step of the way.